Interview: Kurt Caselli Talks Dakar

By Freelance | 3/6/2013 7:09 AM

As a North American motorcycling enthusiast traveling in Peru at the time of the Dakar Rally, naturally I was doing everything possible to keep up with the daily results by USA contenders Honda's Johnny Campbell and surprise last-minute participant Kurt Caselli, who was filling in for the injured Marc Coma on the Red Bull KTM team. Campbell rode a very consistent race to end up a respectable 40th place overall in spite of an injury, and, while clearly experiencing a steep learning curve during his first try at one of the most legendary off-road events in the world, Caselli placed an impressive 31st, recording two stage wins in the process.

While attending the podium ceremony in Santiago, where the president of Chile was presenting the awards, I caught up with two-time AMA Hare & Hound Champion and now Dakar finisher and chatted with him a bit about his Dakar experience.